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Beach
both
Level 4/10

Populo

Sao Miguel, Portugal
🪨Rocks🌀Strong rips

Praia do Populo is the Azores' most consistent surf spot—a beach break on volcanic black sand that sits in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, catching swells from virtually every direction. Located minutes from the capital Ponta Delgada on São Miguel island, this wave offers year-round potential in one of Europe's most underexplored surf regions. The dramatic volcanic landscape, thermal hot springs for recovery, and uncrowded lineups make the Azores a compelling alternative to Portugal's mainland coast. For surf explorers seeking genuine discovery, Populo is the portal to an Atlantic archipelago secret.

Spot Details

Swell Requirements

Optimal direction
SW (225°)
Direction range
180° - 270°
Size range
0.6m - 2.5m
Ideal period
13s+

Wind Requirements

Optimal direction
N (0°)
Offshore range
315° - 45°
Best window
morning

Tide Requirements

Optimal tide
all
Optimal range
0.5m - 1.8m

Water temp

19°C

Wetsuit

3/2mm fullsuit

Difficulty

4/10

Crowd level

3/10

Access: 10min from Ponta Delgada airport. Easy beach access.

Getting There

Airport
PDL
Drive time
10 min

Best Season

Peak: Oct, Nov, Dec, Jan, Feb, Mar

Secondary: Apr-Sep

Year-round waves. Winter for N swells, summer for S swells.

Data Quality

verified

Verified by Azores surf community